Events

Upcoming Events

The Choir School: Formative Agent of Future Church Music

Gregory Glenn, Lecture

Thursday, October 2nd, 6:30 p.m., Sancta Maria Hall, St. Patrick’s Seminary

Our 4th season of the Public Lecture and Concert Series kicks off with a visionary lecture by the Madeline Choir School’s Founding Director, Mr. Gregory Glenn.

In this presentation, we will briefly explore the past contributions of choir schools to the Church’s sacred liturgy over the centuries, consider the role that choir schools play today in the worship and pastoral life of the Cathedrals or other communities they serve, and the crucial agency they enact in the formation of future conductors, composers, organists, choristers, and more. More broadly, these schools, once dubbed “the envy of the angels,” serve the community in many ways beyond the realm of sacred music as institutions that shape the lives of young people for leadership and engagement in the mission of the Catholic Church. The essential elements observed in existing schools, as well as the challenges that contribute to the fragility of such institutions, will also be considered. 

In-person and live via streaming. A reception follows the in-person event. 

Our Lady of the Rosary – Chorister Celebration

Choristers of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Join us at St. Patrick’s Seminary for a special musical procession and the distribution of rosaries on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Sacred Music Stockton

Drawing together singers from all the San Joaquin Valley, this Catholic choral festival provides a great opportunity for prayer, learning, and fellowship.

The event features:

• Rehearsals featuring music you can take home to your parishes
• Approachable and beautiful choral music and hymns
• The opportunity to learn music that we can sing together at diocesan liturgies
• Workshops offering tips on developing and teaching healthy vocal technique
• Mass sung by participants of the workshop and celebrated
• Talks about praying with sacred music
• An opportunity to go to confession
• Meals, refreshments, and fellowship with local catholic musicians

The event is designed especially for:

• Parish music directors
• Parish choir members
• Cantors
• Anyone who enjoys singing at Mass from the pews!

Singers and music directors of all ability levels are welcome and will find the event enriching and worthwhile.

Download a printable poster here.

The Office of the Dead in the Dominican Liturgy

The Office of the Dead in the Dominican Liturgy
Lecture by Fr Innocent Smith, O.P.

Date: Saturday, November 8th
Time: 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern)
Location: Online via Zoom
Tickets: Free, or suggested donation of $20

From the time of their foundation in the 13th century, Dominican friars have been committed to praying for the dead, commemorating deceased friars and sisters, parents, friends, and benefactors in annual, weekly, and daily cycles of prayers. When forming the Dominican rite in the mid-13th century, the Order of Preachers fashioned a particular version of the Office of the Dead that arranged traditional chants and prayers in a distinctive order. In this presentation, we will explore the texts and chants of the Dominican Office of the Dead, considering the relationship of these texts to the Church’s broader liturgical tradition.

Space in the online event is limited; an RSVP is required.

Fall Online Workshop Series Continues

Vocal Technique for Changing Voices

Topic #2 of Fall 2025 Workshop Series

Mondays, Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., PST

This 3-part series will look at the history and practice of training young and changing voices with the goal of inspiring the next generation of singers and teachers to uphold tradition and inspire innovation going forward. The sessions will offer practical applications to voice building within the perspective of the history of chorister training. Dr. Geoffrey Williams began his musical career as a treble in The American Boychoir and has great experience working at all levels of sacred music making at Westminster Choir College, Trinity Episcopal Church in Princeton, Washington National Cathedral, Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, and at the University of Illinois before becoming Assistant Professor of Church Music and Director of Chapel at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. 
Session 1: Looking back
Session 2: Where we are
Session 3: Looking forward

Instructor: Dr. Geoffrey D. Williams
Live via Zoom

Jornada de Estudio de Música Sacra

• Ensayos con música que podrán llevar a sus parroquias: un Ordinario de Misa, himnos, y música coral accesible y hermosa.
• La oportunidad de aprender música para cantar juntos durante la celebración de la Misa.
• Talleres con consejos prácticos para desarrollar y enseñar una técnica vocal saludable.
• Misa solemne, celebrada por Su Excelencia, Salvatore J. Cordileone, Arzobispo de San Francisco, y cantada por los participantes.
• Catequesis sobre el papel de la música sacra en la vida espiritual.
• Oportunidad para recibir el sacramento de la confesión.
• Almuerzo, refrigerios y convivencia con músicos locales.

• Directores de música parroquial
• Miembros de coros parroquiales
• Cantores
• Clérigos

St. Nicholas Day – Chorister Investiture

Choristers of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Join us at St. Patrick’s Seminary to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas as Choristers in CISM’s Chorister Program receive their earned certificates and medals.